Career Highlights

Influenced the speed and allocation of offshore oil exploration licenses through analytical advice to the Secretary of State for Scotland

Led ground breaking government white paper on Scotland’s natural heritage

Led introduction of first statutory provision on sustainable development Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991

Developed first ever 25 year strategy, programme and plans Natural Heritage Futures described as imaginative, challenging and worthwhile and still in use a decade on

Led international group in fashioning the Durban Accord and Action Plan approved with acclamation by 3,000 attendees at the World Parks Congress 2003

Lead contributor and secretary to committees of inquiry on two seminal Royal Society of Edinburgh reports on energy and future of the hills and islands. Latter led to Scottish Land Use Strategy provision in Climate Change (Scotland ) Act 2009

Devising suite of ideas and plans for Watson Bird Centre and Celebration a £1.5m project in Galloway

Publishing with two colleagues the definitive layman’s book on the geology and landforms of Scotland

Contribution through advising, public speaking and writing to improving organisation and management of Iceland’s environment commended by President, Ministers and Soil Conservation Service

High commendations for work as non-executive director of SAC, Plantlife and NTS

Recognition from academic, administrative, scientific, international and policy colleagues through a CBE, an honorary degree, IUCN WCPA emeritus status, 5 fellowships, and a medal, Icelandic Order of the Falcon, 2 Hon degrees

Lead new international definition of a protected area to focus on ‘nature’ and subsequently led establishment of IUCN WCPA Geoheritage Specialist Group